John Dee
Historical figure
English · 16th century
16th-century English mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, and occult philosopher who served as adviser to Queen Elizabeth I and was known for his obsidian 'spirit mirror' reportedly used for scrying.
Connection to Taylor Swift
Dee's obsidian mirror is part of the historical tradition of mirrors as supernatural objects, which provides context for the mirrorball metaphor and the folklore register of Taylor's album.
Notable Works
- Monas Hieroglyphica, obsidian spirit mirror (now in the British Museum)